DRC military claims victory: Six M23 drones shot down in Lubero

By The Inspirer.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) announced on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, that they shot down six combat drones belonging to the M23 rebel group in the Lubero Territory.

According to Radio Okapi, this information was confirmed by Lt. Col. Mak Hazukay, the spokesperson for the Sokola 1 Battalion of the Congolese military.

The M23 rebel group has not yet responded to these claims by FARDC.

Last Friday, the Congolese military issued a statement accusing M23 of recruiting child soldiers into their ranks. The statement alleged that the children were dressed in uniforms resembling those of the Rwandan Defense Forces and were deployed in the Mambasa and Alimbongo areas in the southern part of Lubero Territory.

In the statement signed by Lt. Col. Mak Hazukay, it was also claimed that “M23 forces have been entering churches, schools, and hospitals in southern Lubero, actions that violate international human rights laws.”

FARDC further accused M23 of using civilians as human shields in the areas under their control.

Fighting is ongoing in parts of Lubero as the region awaits the Luanda peace talks, which are seen as a potential pathway to lasting peace in eastern Congo.

While the Congolese government has been urged to engage in dialogue with M23, it has rejected the notion, stating that “it will not negotiate with a terrorist organization.”

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